chrysler eyes more powerful 'adventure' versions of windsor-made pacifica, thanks to changing us policy
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new pacifica models are loaded on a truck at the stellantis windsor assembly plant on thursday, july 24, 2025.
dan janisse
/
windsor star
with the easing of emission standards in the u.s. and stellantis reviving its street and racing technology division, the company has more options — and one of the vehicles that stands to benefit is the chrysler pacifica.
the windsor-built minivan is already scheduled for a significant refresh in 2026, but chrysler ceo christine feuell laid out a more ambitious vision for the vehicle and the brand during an appearance at the carlisle chrysler nationals car-enthusiast event recently in pennsylvania.
“you’ll see us with perhaps srt (street racing and technology) models coming out under the chrysler brand,” feuell said. “maybe putting srt on the pacifica.
“we’ve got a pretty interesting concept for the overland expo event with pacifica.
“we’ve got a really awesome plan for srt. it’s a great opportunity for us to bring back the performance brands and products that have been so iconic in the past.
“you can expect to see some srt models under the chrysler brand. i think the pacifica would be great.”
feuell confirmed chrysler will have a modified pacifica for display as part of the overland expos event series. overland expo is considered the top event series for adventure travel enthusiasts.
“it could lure new buyers into the minivan fold,” said sam fiorani, autoforecast solutions vice president of global vehicle forecasting.
“pacifica is a well-positioned vehicle. it’s very utilitarian and appealing to small families who like to go outdoors — would not harm that vehicle at all.
“it could pull some more people who were leaning towards a three-row crossover.”
new pacifica models are loaded on a truck at the stellantis windsor assembly plant on thursday, july 24, 2025.
dan janisse
/
windsor star
fiorani added, with positioning the pacifica, the segment is as much about marketing, styling and image as it is in the actual off-roading capabilities.
“there’s a lot of vehicles in that class that you would not take off road, but give the image that they could go off road,” fiorani said. “initially, no one thought of the outback going off-road, and that’s been a huge hit for subaru.
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“the pacifica is also already set up for all-wheel drive.
“there’s a growing subset of pseudo off-roaders. adapting the pacifica to appeal to that group could be a real winner for chrysler.”
fiorani said, in considering adding the higher performance, more powerful and rugged features associated with srt is an attempt by chrysler to broaden the pacifica’s appeal to more than just its ‘soccer mom’ stereotype.
srt features generally include higher performance, better handling, aggressive styling, and they are technology-rich.
“srt could develop into the image of high performance that other manufacturers have done to vehicles to broaden their appeal,” fiorani said.
however, chrysler ceo feuell said the company is also improving practical features with ‘re-imagined stow n go seating in a very different and practical way’.”
in the wide-ranging interview, which was posted on social media, feuell also touched on the future of the brand, the development of new products and the re-introduction of the hemi v-8 engine. the company is studying whether the new windsor-built charger could handle adding the hemi engine to its powertrain offerings.
“i want to put to rest any rumours, thoughts or assumptions that the brand or the company is being sold. it is not,” feuell said. “(new stellantis ceo) antonio filosa believes in chrysler.
“a couple of new crossovers are on the way and a new car that’s inspired by the halcyon. i think you can expect to see some game-changers coming from chrysler.
“we’re continuing to build out the portfolio with new products for both chrysler and dodge, so you can expect expanded lineups for both of those brands over the next five years.”
the crossover vehicles are expected to be the first of the new vehicles to reach the market. feuell has previously said the first of those products would likely arrive in 2027.
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fiorani said the smaller of the two crossovers will use the stla medium platform, while the second crossover is expected to be built on the stla large platform.
“we show a new model coming to brampton eventually in addition to the jeep compass,” fiorani said of where the smaller crossover would be built.
“it’s going to be relatively similar in size to the compass.”
fiorani said the company hasn’t officially confirmed the larger of the new crossovers, but he noted feuell has repeatedly spoken publicly about it. he added that details of the project haven’t yet been confirmed at the supplier level.
“the stla large platform is likely for that,” fiorani said. “if that’s the case, it’ll likely join the others (pacifica, charger) at windsor.”
windsor and a stellantis plant in mexico that builds the jeep wagoneer s are the only plants currently using the stla large platform.
feuell also emphasized it was important for chrysler to get back into building cars, including one that sells for under us $30,000. the last car to roll off the line for the brand was the chrysler 300, which ended production in december 2023.
“we’re working on a car,” feuell said. “i can’t tell you exactly when it’s going to launch.”
feuell also confirmed bringing back a new version of the chrysler 300 is “on the table.”
while the chrysler 300 would fill the gap in the luxury performance segment, feuell said the company is focused on getting into the affordable market as well.
“one of the things that is really important for us to prioritize is affordability,” feuell said.
“the average transaction for a new car is $49,000 (us). that doesn’t work for most consumers looking for a new vehicle.
“we are working on what you call a small or compact car, something that can transact under $30,000 (us). something that can compete in the heart of the segment but can be beautiful and fun to drive.”
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